Genetics, genomics, and social perceptions: A multidisciplinary approach to guenon conservation in the Bijagós Archipelago

Colmonero Marques Costeira, Ivo 2024. Genetics, genomics, and social perceptions: A multidisciplinary approach to guenon conservation in the Bijagós Archipelago. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

In biodiversity-rich areas people are often heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resources, potentiating negative interactions with non-human primates. In the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau (West Africa) local populations of the Bijagó ethnic group co-occur with three species of guenons (tribe Cercopithecini): the spotnosed monkey, (Cercopithecus petaurista Schreber, 1774), Campbell’s monkey (Cercopithecus campbelli Waterhouse, 1838), and the green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus Linnaeus, 1766). The conservation of the insular spot-nosed monkey populations should be considered a national priority, as this guenon may have been recently extirpated from mainland. To support guenon conservation, this thesis set out to generate baseline data on main conservation threats, genetic diversity, population structure, demographic history, and adaptive variation which are essential to assess the species' local conservation status. Guenon populations showed genetic patterns typical of insular populations – strong population differentiation, reduced genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and small effective population sizes. However, in the absence of accumulated deleterious mutations, they do not seem to be at immediate risk of extirpation due to genetic factors. Nonetheless, the effects of increased inbreeding and genetic drift, combined with high extraction rates may have unpredictable effects on population fitness, and conservation measures to avoid excess mortality should be implemented. However, the success of conservation efforts in shared landscapes depend heavily on the local communities’ views. In this thesis the potential of a guenon-focused conservation program was assessed by examining Bijagó perceptions and attitudes. The Bijagó were found to have mostly negative perceptions and attitudes towards guenons due to their crop-raiding behaviours. However, if compensatory programmes or if socio-economic benefits (e.g., eco-tourism revenues) are introduced, engagement with conservation may be improved. The evidence produced in this thesis regarding genetic parameters of conservation importance, coupled with inferences on local perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife can be incorporated in the design of effective conservation strategies aligned with populations’ needs and values.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	27 May 2025
Last Modified:	02 Jun 2025 16:35
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178517

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